beauty blog, cosmetic reviews, makeup tips, skin care advice

November 30, 2013November 30, 2013

BB Cream and CC Cream Review Catalog | Cosmetic Monster

BB Cream & CC Cream Review Catalog

BB (Blemish/Beauty/Beblesh Balm) Cream or CC (Color Correction) products are essentially all-in-one moisturizer, treatment, foundation, concealer, sunscreen, primer products. The only difference between BB and CC is CC creams offer color correction – but in my opinion, they are essentially the same thing. While there can be no expectations when it comes to performance – very few US distributed products are comparable to their Asian counterparts.

BB-What? Read about the young history of BB Creams – where they originated and how it finally hit US shores → HERE.

So are BB Creams for you? Are you overwhelmed by the number of choices? Are there certain features you’re looking for? I’ve tried dozens of BB/CC Creams and have created a resource for you to find the best one for your specific needs. Browse the Cosmetic Monster catalog of BB Cream and CC Cream reviews or [DOWNLOAD .XLS FILE HERE]You can also email me at jenn@cosmeticmonster.com with your personal concerns and I will send you a list of suggestions.

BB/CC Creams are best applied with finger tips – then smoothed out with a sponge if desired, followed by pressing your palms onto the flat areas of the face to create a natural look. Thicker, more pigmented BB Creams can be applied with a brush – but you still want to press it into the skin with your hands for the best finish.

If you’re using a BB Cream with heavier coverage, try not to apply it all over the face. It can look unnatural. Focus on your trouble spots and use a lighter product to even things out. Finish with powder if you prefer a matte finish.

1. DR. MED. CHRISTINE SCHRAMMEK BLEMISH BALM IN HONEY

QUICK REVIEW: The mother (literally) of all BB Creams, this is the original, designed for healing post-procedure skin and blemishes. Made for those with sensitivity, break outs or rosacea – the formula reads a little dated (parabens, fragrance) and didn’t strike me as particularly soothing. It doesn’t cover discoloration – but slightly evens out the skin tone and redness. It is one of the few BB Creams without sunscreen.

QUICK REVIEW: I don’t see any noted complexion correcting or brightening ingredients (it has a little retinol), but the high SPF (props!) makes it a good option to wear over other treatments. The medium shade also has a nice neutral beige tone that will wear well on cool and warm skin tones alike.

3. ❤ PETER THOMAS ROTH CC CREAM | MEDIUM TO TAN

QUICK REVIEW: The PTR CC Cream performs the most like a real CC Cream – it has arbutin (brightening) and Camu Camu Berry for Vitamin C (antioxidant) in a base that effectively evens skin tone. The shade range is limited – so you will either hit or miss. The broad spectrum, non-chemical sunscreen is a big plus for me – and I also appreciate the absence of fragrance. Due to the semi-matte finish, drier skins should be sure to moisturize before application.

←Before & After Dr. Brandt Flexitone BB Cream
QUICK REVIEW: Separates and shade not for fair to light skin tones. I was told by Dr. Brandt reps: “The “separation” is due to the SPF in the product that tends to separate from the pigment to create a watery, creamy almost separated base. In any case, when applied, the product always performs as per standards agreed.” Hmm. Since this also happens with their CC Glow and most of the other SPF BB Creams from other brands don’t separate – reformulate. Otherwise it would be a very nice product.

5. ❤ COVER FX CC CREAM | G MED-DEEP

←Before and After Cover FX CC Cream
QUICK REVIEW: One of my favorites. Cover FX CC Cream has a true medium coverage with a matte finish and performs like a foundation and concealer + doesn’t need additional powder. The SPF doesn’t irritate my skin and the formulation lasts all day, even in humid weather. If you have dry skin, you may need to apply additional moisturizer first as the formula is on the dry side and can get cakey on dehydrated or flaky skin.

7. DIOR DIORSKIN NUDE TAN BB CREME 001

QUICK REVIEW: I use this on non-makeup days to warm up my skin and add a little dimension. When I’m tan I can be a bit more generous with the application – but for lighter skin tones, its important to NOT use this like a regular BB cream (all over) – but more like a liquid bronzer. The creamy texture blends well over bare skin and evens out tone while adding a sunkissed glow. I also use this over other BB creams or foundation that are a touch too light.

10. MAYBELLINE PURE BB MINERAL | LIGHT

QUICK REVIEW: Asian market product. Can be purchased at ABC stores in Hawaii. This is more of a base/traditional BB cream with a thicker texture and white base. It gives skin a more fair, even tone. Best on fair/light skin only.

BB Creams made in Asia are normally lighter in color, heavier in coverage and will have a higher level of SPF.

11. L’OREAL MAGIC SKIN BEAUTIFIER BB | MEDIUM

QUICK REVIEW: This is like a more fluid version of the “self adjusting” Almay Smart Shade makeup. It has encapsulated pigments in a runny fluid moisturizer – which is a nice concept but novel at best. Not like a BB cream at all with unpredictable coverage and color.

12. L’OREAL YOUTH CODE BB CREAM | MEDIUM

QUICK REVIEW: Good starter BB cream for most skin types since it has a more natural finish and decent SPF. The creamier texture will satisfy dry skin types – just don’t expect too much coverage since this performs more like a tinted moisturizer.

13. HARD CANDY CC CORRECTION CREME | LIGHT & MEDIUM

QUICK REVIEW: I can’t believe I bought 2 of these. The colors are way too dark and orange, the texture is separated and clumpy (it blends together well once its out of the tube) and the iridescent “light optical pearls” have got to go. Its cheap for a reason. Its not making the giveaway pile – its going in the trash.

14. BEYOND BELIEF BB CREAM | MEDIUM

QUICK REVIEW: A good low cost BB cream with no SPF for those who can’t tolerate sunscreens or prefer to use a separate SPF. There aren’t any particularly beneficial ingredients – which makes calling this a BB cream a stretch. IMO, a BB Cream should provide some skin care benefits – otherwise its just a tinted moisturizer or foundation at best. Calling it a BB – doesn’t always make it a BB. Still, a nice product in general.

15. BOBBI BROWN BB CREAM | MEDIUM

QUICK REVIEW: With a high SPF 35 (PA+++) and true skin tone shades, Bobbi Brown BB Cream lasted well through a typical day with just a touch of oily breakthrough and minimal irritation (I’m allergic to chemical sunscreen).

16. ❤ CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE CC CREAM | NATURAL

QUICK REVIEW: One of the better dept. store BB/CC Creams. Comforting, hydrating, creamy texture with reliable and brightening coverage. The moderate price point makes is a good all around choice – and I like it as a 1st skin product for younger skin since it doesn’t feel heavy or clog pores.

18. ❤ STILA STAY ALL DAY 10-IN-1 HD BEAUTY BALM

QUICK REVIEW: This isn’t a BB Cream at all, but it is an amazing primer that makes your skin look flawless and makeup lasts all day. It does go beyond a traditional primer since it has some skin care properties – so I’ll allow it into the BB Cream category. Skin also looks perfected when its worn alone.

19. MAC PREP+PRIME BB BEAUTY BALM | LIGHT

QUICK REVIEW: One of the first BB Creams I tried. It was available in travel retail locations months before the US release. Smooth texture and light coverage perfects skin and provides SPF 35. Pin point applicator makes it easy to control how much product dispenses.

20. ❤ TARTE BB TINTED TREATMENT | MEDIUM

QUICK REVIEW: Performs like a tinted primer with very light coverage – but refines pores and lasts up to 12 hours. Non-chemical sunscreen good choice for those with sensitive skin. Good for all skin types including oily. This works really well under the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation for a perfected but still glowing complexion that wears well throughout the day.

21. BOSCIA BB CREAM

QUICK REVIEW: Has slightly luminous finish and will work on fair to medium skin tones. Provides very light coverage but still evens skin tone. May require more moisturizer or foundation for specific skin concerns.

22. TOO FACED TINTED BEAUTY BALM | LINEN GLOW

QUICK REVIEW: Nice creamy texture like a moisturizing lotion. Good warm toned shades with light coverage. Can be used alone without additional moisturizer for combination skins. Did not get dry during the day.

23. 3 lAB PERFECT BB | 03 DARK

QUICK REVIEW: With stem cells and growth hormones in a anti-aging moisturizing base, this BB has the most skin care benefits – with a matching price tag. The creamy texture applies evenly (with or without the roller) and smooths fine lines and uneven skin tone. A good choice for mature skin types or those who appreciate luxury.

QUICK REVIEW: The only silicone-free AND chemical free sunscreen BB cream that I’ve found – that looks lovely on. Leaves skin with a slightly luminous finish that looks remarkably natural. This is one of my go-to for great skin products (now that it’s available in Medium, which suits my skin tone perfectly).

31. THE FACE SHOP (THE GOLDEN SHOP) AGELESS CC CREAM

QUICK REVIEW: Encapsulated pigment in a hydrating lotion base – will match up to light-medium skin tones. Good coverage with high SPF. Available exclusively in Japan and at The Face Shop (Waimalu Plaza).

32. THE FACE SHOP AURA COLOR CONTROL CREAM (CC) | 02 & 03

QUICK REVIEW: These CC Creams have a yellow undertone (which is hard to find, even in Asian products), creamy texture, good coverage, reliable SPF and gives skin a brighter appearance. Unique refillable compact dispenser and applied with included puff (I don’t use the puff, but the compact is perfect for travel).

Aura CC is my favorite The Face Shop BB/CC product – mostly because shade 03 works on my skin when its a little tan.

33. DR. JART + BLACK LABEL DETOX BB BEAUTY BALM

QUICK REVIEW: Has heavy, thick feel that blends down to a reliable medium coverage. Creamy texture allows for a slightly matte, but not dry finish. Single shade works on fair to light skin tones and possibly medium shades that lean toward cool tones. Non-chemical SPF makes it a good choice for sensitive skin – though fragrance can be a red flag.

34. DR. BRANDT CC GLOW

QUICK REVIEW: The formula separates and the tube opening is too large, so product gets wasted and has the tendency to get messy. Otherwise, once you mix the product on your hand and apply, skin looks noticeably brighter and more fresh. Since it has a non-chemical sunscreen, it won’t get returned – but Dr. Brandt really needs to reformulate and repackage.

35. DR. JART+ WATER FUSE SMART GET BB | LIGHT/MED & MED/DARK

QUICK REVIEW: Returned. I tried both shades of this unique, jelly like BB Cream. The formula settled in my pores and didn’t blend well (regardless of how I prepped skin). It also didn’t last very long and that normally isn’t an issue for me.

36. OLE HENRIKSEN PERFECT TRUTH CC CREME | MEDIUM

QUICK REVIEW: Returned. I really wanted to like this since I absolutely LOVE his Pure Truth Vitamin C Youth Activating Oil – but the fragrance in this line was over powering and sidelined the products benefits. Otherwise, the formula made skin look clearer and more radiant – so if the scent isn’t an issue for you, its worth a look.

38. MIRACLE SKIN TRANSFORMER | MEDIUM

←Before & After Miracle Skin Transformer
QUICK REVIEW: Not really a miracle – skin’s appearance is smoothed and perfected with silicone. However, I liked how my skin looked and it didn’t react like it normally does to silicone and sunscreen. There’s an acne version that I’m curious to try – it has a more traditional tinted moisturizer texture and doesn’t have sunscreen.

39. URBAN DECAY NAKED SKIN BEAUTY BALM

QUICK REVIEW: Single light peach shade with slight luminous finish that will match most skin tones from pale to medium. A little more oily feeling than other BB creams with very little coverage – more like a luminizing primer. Works well with the Urban Decay Naked Powder for a touch more coverage.